Review: Darkness Unbound by Keri Arthur (A Dark Angels Novel)

Title: Darkness Unbound
Author: Keri Arthur
Series: A Dark Angels Novel
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: September 27, 2011
Format: Mass Market Paperbound ($9.99 CDN)
Age Group: Adult Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Being half werewolf and half Aedh, Risa Jones can enter the twilight realms between life and death and see the reapers, supernatural beings that collect the souls of the dead. But she soon makes a terrifying discovery: Some sinister force is stealing souls, preventing the dead from ever knowing the afterlife.

Reapers escort souls-not snatch them-but Risa is still unnerved when a reaper shadows her in search of someone Risa has never met: her own father, an Aedh priest, who is rumored to be tampering with the gates of hell for a dark purpose. With the help of her "aunt" half-werewolf, half-vampire Riley Jenson-and an Aedh named Lucian who may have lost his wings but none of his sex appeal, Risa must pursue whatever shadowy practitioner of blood magic is seizing souls, and somehow stop her father . . . before all hell breaks loose.

My Review:  

I was HUGELY disappointed when I learned that Keri Arthur was ending  my favorite Riley Jenson Guardian series, but when I learned she was doing a spinn off featuring Risa Jones (a character who was a baby in the Jenson series) I was very excited. Months after reading the last Riley Jenson novel I had completely forgotten about this new series until I came upon it on a table in Chapters.  I snached the book off the table and did a little (but loud) *squee* drawing the attention of strangers who must have thought I was a little weird. 


From the very first chapter following through to the end of the novel I was captivated by intriguing plot lines, likeable new characters and sexy, blush worthy sex scenes, not to mention the involvement of some of my favorite characters from the Jenson series. 

If you are a fan of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels this series (and the Jenson series if you have not read it) should be at the very top of your reading list especially if you are a fan of....ummmmm....errrrr *blush* very graphic sex scenes. The characters in this series run the spectrum of supernaturals including werewolves, ghosts, Aedh, vampires, reapers, shapeshifters, mediums, and more.


As a protagonist Risa is quickly climbing her way to being one of my favorite leading female characters.  She's a winning mixture of sass, sexiness, and sensuality that when added to her also being an assertive, resilient and independent woman, she becomes the type of character that paranormal readers will fall in love with. Being half werewolf (inherited from her mother) Risa was gifted with heightened senses, fast healing, and a heightened sex drive, but unfortunately not with the ability to shift into werewolf form. Her father, a Aedh Priest has given her the ability to dematerialize her body into a vaporous form which proves to be a valuable ability throughout the novel. 


Darkness Unbound includes two very sexy male leads. Azreal is a very stoic Reaper who is charged with shadowing Risa in the hopes of locating her Aedh father.  Along the way the merest hint of sexual tension begins between these two characters as he helps her defeat a darkness that steals the soul of a helpless little girl. The second male lead, Lucian is a full blooded Aedh who has lost his wings and ability to shift into vaporous form.  The sexual banter that goes back and forth between Risa and Lucian quickly leads to steamy sex scenes that would make any woman blush. 


Lucky for me after finishing this novel I was immediately able to go out and purchase the second novel in this series, Darkness Rising as it was just released. I can see that this series is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine in the paranormal genre.  If you to are a fan of Keri Arthur and her various paranormal series please feel free to comment on what your favorite books are in the series and who your favorite characters are! 

My Rating: 5/5 AKA Exixir of Excellence

Review: Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink

Title: Phrophecy of the Sisters (Book 1)
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Little Brown Books For Young Readers
Published: August 1, 2009
Format: Hardcover ($19.99 CDN)
Age Group: Young Adult
Copy: Provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Click here to browse inside the book

Synopsis: 

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-
One good...
One evil...
Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents'' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets. 

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can''t trust each other.

My Review:

The Prophecy of the Sisters is a well written novel with a complex and mysterious plot that slowly begins to unravel after twin sisters Lia and Alice's father dies and a peculiar mark of a snake eating it's tail begins to form on Lia's wrist. The reader is introduced to a creative tale of an ancient prophecy involving generations of twin sisters and good versus evil when Lia's beau James discovers an ancient text and shares his discovery with her. Michelle Zink's description of the two main protagonists, Lia and Alice, allows the reader to clearly visualize their vastly different personalities. As the story progresses the reader begins to connect with Lia on a deeper level due to her genuine and caring personality while simultaneously being drawn away from Alice due to her secretive and dishonest actions.

While I did not find myself unable to put this book down the story began to slowly weave itself into my unconsciousness and I found myself dreaming of mysterious prophecy's and pondering how much of life is actually within our control and how much is predestined.

For those of you who have read and enjoyed, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (the first novel in the Gemma Doyle series) then I believe you will enjoy this series as well.  Both books take place in the late 1800's and involve young women in events that were set in motion before their birth as well as share similar themes of prophecy, magic, clairvoyance, friendship and rivalry.

What I look forward to most about reading the second installment of the series, Guardian of the Gate, is furthering to unravel the secrets of the prophecy and witnessing Lia's struggle to fulfill a destiny she was unprepared for.

I have included a book trailer for The Prophecy Of The Sisters below and if you are interested in learning more about the author or the novel please check out the links at the top of this post to both the authors web site and a link to browse inside the novel.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Review: The Search by Nora Roberts

Title: The Search
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published: July 6, 2010
Format: Hardcover ($31.00)
Age Group: Adult
Series: No 
Copy: Provided by Penguin Group Canada




From the Publisher:


To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life-a quaint house on an island off Seattle's coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescues. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare... 


Several years ago, Fiona was the only survivor of the Red Scarf serial killer, who shot and killed Fiona's cop fiancA(c) and his K-9 partner. 

On Orcas Island, Fiona found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. But all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He's the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon's house, and he's at his wit's end. 

To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can't handle. Simon, however, is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he's a rugged and in-tensely private artist, known for the exquisite furniture he creates from wood. Simon never wanted a puppy-and he most definitely doesn't want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to his hormones. 

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona's life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands...


My Review:


Generally speaking Nora Roberts books are fairly predictable but I can always count on them to entertain. While I am not going to find life's hidden meaning within a Roberts book I will find a few hours of blissful escape where I can guarantee I will be whisked away on a fairy tale romance that never fails to give me a happily ever after ending. 


Each protagonist in a Roberts novel seems to have the perfect balance of imperfections (both physical and emotional) and positive attributes so as to make him or her a believable character.  In The Search  Fiona was an engaging and relatable character who's passion for dogs and people alike made her even more endearing. There was never any question about the direction the romance between Fiona and Simon was taking but nevertheless it was great to go along for the ride and read as the romance bloomed. 


As one of her serial killer thrillers Roberts didn't disappoint. The plot was moderately suspenseful with just enough details fed to you page by page to keep you guessing.  


I think what most fans of Nora Roberts novels would agree on is that Roberts has a talent for writing female protagonists who each woman can see a bit of herself in.  By writing relatable characters that women can make a personal connection with it gives them the ability to gets a taste of what it may just be like to captivate the often handsome, quirky, macho yet sensitive, "perfect" male protagonist of each novel.  


Overall The Search was a pleasurable and entertaining read that fans of Nora Roberts will happily add to their collection!

My Rating: 3.5/5

Review: Bullet by Laurell K Hamilton

Title: Bullet
Author: Laurell K Hamilton
Published: June 1, 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group Canada
Format: Hardcover ($33.50 CDN) Discounts available @ Chapters Online & Amazon
Age Group: Adult
Book: Provided by Penguin Group Canada
Click here for a complete list of other books in this series

From the Publisher: 

"The music came back up and the next group of little girls, slightly older, came out. There was a lot of that in the next hour and change. I liked dance, and it was no reflection on the kids, but my will to live began to seep away on about the fifth group of sequined children... " 

Anita Blake is back in St. Louis and trying to live a normal life-as normal as possible for someone who is a legal vampire executioner and a U. S. Marshal. There are lovers, friends and their children, school programs to attend. In the midst of all the ordinary happiness a vampire from Anita's past reaches out. She was supposed to be dead, killed in an explosion, but the Mother of All Darkness is the first vampire, their dark creator. It's hard to kill a god. This dark goddess has reached out to her here-in St. Louis, home of everyone Anita loves most. The Mother of All Darkness has decided she has to act now or never, to control Anita, and all the vampires in America. 

The Mother of All Darkness believes that the triumvirate created by master vampire Jean-Claude with Anita and the werewolf Richard Zeeman has enough power for her to regain a body and to immigrate to the New World. But the body she wants to possess is already taken. Anita is about to learn a whole new meaning to sharing her body, one that has nothing to do with the bedroom. And if the Mother of All Darkness can't succeed in taking over Anita's body for herself, she means to see that no one else has the use of it, ever again. Even Belle Morte, not always a friend to Anita, has sent word: "Run if you can..."

My Review:  

*Warning: This novel has a high volume of sexual content and this novel and my review may not be appropriate for young readers.  Read at your own risk!* 

Before I get to my review I would like a moment to gush and tell you that throughout this novel I had to repeatedly put this novel down and fan myself before I spontaniously combusted.  When I finished the novel and my husband asked what I though about it I was momentarily speechless.  This novel is very, very naughty and very, very, very delicious....


Onto my review!

I have had the pleasure of reading the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series for more years then I can remember and she is one of the few authors who's characters have become like old friends.  Some protagonists I am able to identify with because I see myself in them but I don't see myself in Anita; for me that is what is so thrilling about her as a character.  While reading an Anita Blake novel you can escape to another exciting world where all the dark desires you have and those you didn't even know you have can be explored.

In the beginning of the series there was more of a focus on Anita as a necromancer, the solving of a paranormal crime, and the development of her romantic life.  As many readers of Hamilton know, throughout the series the level of sexual content has increased dramatically which has had mixed reviews.  At times I have felt that the sexual content has overshadowed the main plot of her novels but despite this I am never disappointed because Hamilton writes erotic sex scenes better then anyone else I have ever read. 


The newest addition to this Anita Blake Series, Bullet had the best balance of sexual content and paranormal plot lines that I have read in this series to date.  Readers be aware that Hamilton takes Anita's sexcapades to a whole new level of eroticism.  While reading the sex scenes in this novel I felt like a naughty voyeur and many times I felt myself blushing.  Much of the reason for this progression seems to be because Anita has become more accepting and comfortable with the Ardeur, the men her life, and her own needs.  The level of sexual content is also necessary because Anita gains power for herself and her people through sex and with the unexpected return of The Mother Of All Darkness Anita, her loved ones, and the entire population of humans and paranormal people alike will need Anita and those she is connected with to be at their most powerful if they have any hope of defeating her.


This book also delves back into the history of vampire and shifter lore and further explores the politics of the paranormal world Anita lives in.  The characters I have come to love are spotlighted well throughout the novel and an old romantic love of Anita's that I had all but written off makes a surprising comeback.  New characters are introduced that I was at first apprehensive about but surprisingly I feel that they help to complete an already large family unit and I can't wait to see their characters develop in future books. 


This book was tantalizing, suspenseful, erotic, and very well written.  Hamilton's ability to describe scenes in such vivid detail allow me to see into her world better then any other author I have ever read in the paranormal urban fantasy genre.  This novel exceeded my expectations by engaging me from beginning to end and I expect that future novels in this series will do the same.

If ever we create a personalized virtual reality system I know the first place I am going to visit ;) Hello Nethaniel, Jason, Jean-Claude, Asher, and Micah...which way to the bedroom?

My Rating: The highest I can give!

Review: Moon Sworn by Keri Arthur

Title: Moon Sworn (Book 9)
Author: Keri Arthur
Publisher: Random House Publishing
Published: May 25, 2010
Format: Mass Market Paperbound ($9.99 CDN)
Age Group: Adult
Click here for a full list of books in the Riley Jenson Guardian Series

From the Publisher: 

Some nights never end.
Some desires never die. . . .

Shape-shifting werewolf and vampire Riley Jenson is through with death-causing it, solving it, surviving it. Her soul mate, Kye Murphy, is dead-and at Riley's own hands. Not even the seductive embrace of her vampire lover, Quinn, can fully ease her mind, for she has begun questioning everything that makes her Riley-including her job at the Directorate.

Now, the ritualistically slain bodies of ex-cons have started turning up. Reluctantly, Riley takes the case, but something even worse is waiting in the wings. A vicious enemy from her past is determined to strip Riley of everything that gives her life any meaning: her lover, her brother-and even her own identity. Can Riley survive this ultimate assault? All she knows is, she must fight one last time to find answers, before everything goes dark forever.

My Review:

From the very first novel in this series I was in love with the protagonist Riley not just because she is a tough as nails female but because she is also a woman who loves family, yearns for true love, and has normal insecurities.  As with any Keri Arthur book release I was excited for the release of Moon Sworn but it is bitter sweet as this is the final book in the Riley Jenson Guardian Series.  From beginning to end this book was packed with suspense, conspiracy, dynamic relationships, and of course romance.  In addition to this novel tying up a few loose ends Keri Arthur also wrote a good crime mystery which I have come to expect as an integral part of each of her novels.  It wasn't my favorite book of the entire series but it met my expectations and had me shedding a few tears (and blushing) at a particular intimate moment at the end of the novel.  What I enjoyed most about this novel was the conclusion because I felt as though the entire series came full circle and Riley got the happy ending she so desperately wanted and deserved. If you  haven't read this series and you are a lover of paranormal romance and urban fantasy then The Book Guru suggests you give this series a try!

My Rating:

Review: Dead In The Family by: Charlaine Harris

Title: Dead In The Family
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published: May 4, 2010
Format: Hardcover ($32.50 CDN)
Age Group: Adult
Other book in the series: Click here for a listing of books 1-10
Book:  Provided by Penguin Group

From the Publisher: 

After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

My Review (almost spoiler free):

When I first came upon a Sookie Stackhouse novel in the bookstore I was put off by the covers.  I try not to judge a book by it's cover but I have never been drawn to "cartoonish" book jackets and so I passed up on this series far to many times.  When I watched the first episode of True Blood on HBO I was immediately hooked and from the very first chapter of the first book I was became a devoted fan of Charlaine Harris and the Sookie Stackhouse series.

I received a copy of the tenth book in the series, Dead In The Family a week before its release date courtesy of Penguin Group Canada.  I am not in the least bit ashamed to admit that when I opened up the thick manila envelope and found the newest Sookie book inside I jumped up and down like a school girl.  From start to finish I devoured this book within the day and although it doesn't measure up to my favorite Sookie book (Dead To The World Book 4) it was a very entertaining read and has temporarily provided me with my Sookie fix.  As always I immensely enjoyed Charlaine Harris's writing style.  I love the flow of her writing and how through the smooth and often humourous inner dialogue and interaction between character, the personalities of Sookie and the gang truly pop off the page and come alive.  I had hoped for a little more steamy "romantic" scenes between Sookie and the delicious Eric Northman but things got a little complicated between Eric and Sookie due to some unexpected guests to the town of Bon Temps. 


I did feel like the plot of this book wasn't as complex as I would have liked.  In this novel the focus wasn't on one particular character or event but rather a little bit on multiple ones.  Throughout the chapters you get exposed to another side of Sookie's Faery cousin Claude who comes to Sookie for help after the death of Claudine.  I particularly enjoyed the development of Sookie's relationship to one of her remaining family members as well as a scene where Sookie comes to the aid of Alicde Herveaux, the Alpha of Shreveport werewolf pack. 

Overall I did enjoy this book but I felt it lacked some of the spunk, pizzazz and drama of the previous Sookie novels.  If your a fan of the Sookie series I am fairly certain that you won't be disappointed as Charlaine Harris just can't write a bad novel but she sets the bar very high for herself and this one just didn't quite meet my expectations. Regardless I am an unshakable and devoted fan of Charlaine Harris and the Sookie Stackhouse series and the long wait until the next book is released stretches before me and all of her devoted fans. 

My Rating:

Review: Black Magic Sanction

Title: Black Magic Sanction
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: Harpercollins Publishers
Published: February 23, 2010
Format: Hardcover ($33.99 CDN)

From The Publisher:

Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter-and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now. Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment-at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief.  It takes a witch to catch a witch, but survival bears a heavy price.

My Review:

Kim Harrison is one of my favorite authors so my anticipation and expectations for a Hallows novel always have me eagerly awaiting the release date with the certainty that I will be in for an entertaining reading experience.  I love Urban Fantasy novels and Kim Harrison does an excellent job of weaving a vast array of supernatural elements into the known world but what she does even better is create dynamic, fierce, lovable and sometimes detestable characters.  In the Hollows series Kim Harrison has created characters that I have become attached to and depending on the direction the plot is going you can find me laughing so hard the tears stream down my face, gripping the book with white knuckled anxiety, holding my breath in anticipation, or biting my bottom lip while softly crying.  Over the course of reading Black Magic Sanction I experienced the full array of the aforementioned emotions and at one point I was so fearful for the direction she was taking a beloved character I was ready to chuck the book across the room. With each addition to the series I feel as though the protagonist, Rachel Morgan is continuing to discover more of herself and in the process she is truly finding her voice.  The plot of this novel really helped to re-solidify the bond Rachel has created between herself and her chosen family as well as question her personal morals and values.  I think lovers of this series will immensely enjoy the plot of the novel, the further development into why Rachel is able to twist demon curses, the new romantic interest, the lovable connection to Bis, Rachel's Gargoyle, and the always entertaining, lovable, laughable Jenks.  As you can tell I have attempted to write this review spoiler free and I hope I have succeeded in gaining your interest in this series without giving anything away.  I hope that if you have not read a Kim Harrison novel you will take the chance on picking one up because I would be very surprised if you didn't like it if you are a lover of the Urban Fantasy genre.  I eagerly await the next novel in the Hollows series which I have heard rumor will be released in Spring 2011.  With possibly a year to wait until the next novel is out I hope to find a new series or two with characters and plots that grip me as much as this one does.

My Rating: The best I have!

Thrifty Thursday?

Having joined in on, "Teaser Tuesdays," and "Waiting on Wednesday," I wondered what happened on Thursdays until I happened to be at the right place ant the right time today.  I dub this particular Thursday, Thrifty Thursday (I truly hope I am not "dubbing" anything that has been "dubbed" before and if I have PLEASE tell me).  I had an hour and a half to spare between jobs today and decided to walk downtown to peruse the YA section of my local book store, Manticore, in hopes of finding something new.  I couldn't find anything to interest me but on my way out I noticed this book .  When I went up to the counter to purchase the book I was told I could have it for freeeee!  At first I though he was joking (what book store gives out free books?) until he told me that in fact he was not.  Turns out they had been sent a "special advanced reading uncorrected proof" and that if I wanted the book it was all mine.  I have been looking online to see what I can find about this book and the author. It turns out that there seems to be quite a bit of buzz about this book on the internet.   Publishers Weekly posted an article about the novel, Juliet and the Danish born author, Anne Fortier.  Both Harper Collins and Publishers weekly are comparing this book to, The Thirteenth Tale, The Birth Of Venus, and The Historian.  Free books are excellent but even before I knew I was getting this book for free I wanted it.   I'll get to the synopsis of the book in a moment but what really sucked me in was this,

"Full of delicious secrets, sleeping potions, 

medieval wedding rituals, curses, the glorious Italian countryside

and sibling rivalries, Juliet is at heart an epic romance that proves 

love is strong enough to conquer even death."

If your not interested yet I hope you will be after the synopsis.

Book: Juliet

Author: Anne Fortier

Release Date: August 17, 2010

Publisher Canada: Harper Collins $29.99

Publisher US: Ballantine Books $25.00

Page Count: 444

When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a precarious journey into the true history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo turned medieval Siena upside down. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in Shakespeare's unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse – "A plague on both your houses!" – is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems the only one who can save her from her fate is Romeo… but where is he?

Most of the books I read and love are of the paranormal genre but I can't resist a good love story full of "Double, double, toil and trouble." 

The author, Anne Fortier grew up in Denmark and immigrated to the U.S in 2002 but now lives in Quebec, Canada!  I hope to have this novel finished soon at which point I'll post a review.  I hope to love this book!

Happy Reading!

"Waiting On Wednesday"

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event started by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Black Magic Sanction
Author: Kim Harrison
Release Date: Feb 23, 2010
ISBN: 0061138037
ISBN-13: 978-0061138034
List Price: $33.99 CDN but 34% off at Chapters

 
Sometimes waiting for a book to be released is pure torture and its no different waiting for the next book in Kim Harrison's, The Hollows Series, Black Magic Sanction.  Thankfully the book release date is Feb 23rd which seems both to far and not that far from now.  For those of you also waiting eagerly for this to come out you will be happy to know she posted an excellent excerpt from the upcoming book on her web site! For those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure of reading a book from The Hollows Series please check out her website, go to a book store, go to a used book store, or borrow it from someone who has it!  If you need a little more convincing please check out my post regarding the series here .

The Hollows series by: Kim Harrison

As you may have already guessed the vast majority of the books I read would be considered urban fantasy. It is my drug of choice and like any addict I can’t wait to get my hands on the next fix. Kim Harrison’s series, The Hollows, is one of my top five favorite urban fantasy series of all time. Below is a brief teaser that suggests juicer things to come as well as a link to the authors web site.

All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party ... and to feed.


Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining -- and its Rachel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized.
A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead ... or undead.

Click here to go to Kim Harrison's web site.  I HIGHLY recomend that you pick up a copy of Dead Witch Walking the first book in the series.  I promise you won't be dissapointed.

Happy Reading!

Meredith Gentry series by: Laurell K. Hamilton

Quite a few years ago now Laurell K. Hamilton came out with a new urban fantasy series called the Meredith Gentry series.  I am a long time, dedicated reader of Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series so I had no hesitation to pick up the first book in her new series, A Kiss Of Shadows. Like the Anita series these books bring the fantastical to life and seamlessly weave it together with our own reality but instead of vampires, shape shifters, and necromancy she brings the world of faeries to life in a whole new way. In this series her writing remains as descriptively delicious as always with tasty characters and highly sexual plot lines that I wouldn’t recommend to anyone’s young teenage daughter. The idea behind this series is that Meredith Gentry, a half human half faery princess is in line for the throne along with her cunning and sadistic cousin, the son of The Queen of Air and Darkness. As the world of faerie and all those of faery decent are becoming infertile the throne will be given to the one to conceive first. With a band of “Merry Men” at her side she does her best to be the one to get their first. See below for a synopsis of the first book!

“My name is Meredith Gentry, but of course it’s not my real name. I dare not even whisper my true name after dark for fear that one hushed word will travel over the night winds to the soft ear of my aunt, the Queen of the Air and Darkness. She wants me dead. I don’t even know why.”


Meredith Gentry, Princess of the high court of Faerie, is posing as a human in Los Angeles, living as a P.I. specializing in supernatural crime. But now the Queen’s assassin has been dispatched to fetch her back–whether she likes it or not. Suddenly Meredith finds herself a pawn in her dreaded aunt’s plans. The job that awaits her: enjoy the constant company of the most beautiful immortal men in the world. The reward: the crown–and the opportunity to continue to live. The penalty for failure: death.

I seriously eat this stuff up. Click here for Laurell's web site which has links to all her books, her blog (which I read every day), and a sneak peak at many of the first chapters of her novels.

WARNING to all parents that there is a very high volume of sexual content in this series that may not be appropriate for your children.  For everyone else enjoy :)

Happy Reading!

Anita Blake Vampire Hunter by: Laurell K. Hamilton

Laurell K. Hamilton's novel, Guilty Pleasures, is what made me fall in love with urban fantasy in the first place. She just released her 17th book in this series, Flirt, and already I am impatient for the next one to come out. Be warned her books are very sexual, graphic, juicy, and delicious but if you love urban fantasy and haven’t yet read a Anita Blake novel then you’re missing out. This is the woman who pioneered the urban fantasy genre and no one does it better than she does. The Anita Blake series is book candy at its tastiest! Below is a synopsis for the first novel in the series, Guilty Pleasures, as well as a link to her web site.

My name is Anita Blake. Vampires call me The Executioner. What I call them isn''t repeatable.
Ever since the Supreme Court granted the undead equal rights, most people think vampires are just ordinary folks with fangs. I know better. I''ve seen their victims. I carry the scars...
But now a serial killer is murdering vampires -- and the most powerful bloodsucker in town wants me to find the killer...

Click here to go to Laurell's (look at me using her first name like I know her! I wish :) web site.  If you allready lover her books or one day fall in love with them don't forget to check out her blog!

I should add a WARNING to all parents that there is a high volume of sexual content that I wouldn't want my young teenage daughter to read so heads up.

Happy Reading :)